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aundry hacks woman loading washer with colorful basket clothing

17 Genius Laundry Hacks and Tips for Cheaper, Better, and Faster Laundry Days

/Updated /29 Comments/in , , /by Mary Hunt

In a world of endless laundry woes, these laundry hacks are the superheroes you never knew you needed. From reviving shrunken garments to banishing stubborn stains, each tip is a game-changer in its own right. So, say goodbye to laundry day dread and hello to a fresher, more efficient approach to keeping your clothes looking their best!

laundry hacks woman loading washer with colorful basket clothing

I love to do laundry. I’m crazy that way. And I enjoy discovering new laundry hacks and tips that help me do it more efficiently—and by efficient I do mean cheaper, better, and faster. In fact, I was about ready to give myself a proper title, The Laundress, until I discovered a couple of very bright young women in New York City beat me to it.

It’s OK. They can keep the title and charge an arm and a leg for their chi-chi laundry products in little bottles. Me? I’d rather use every tip I can find to create equally beautiful results and keep my money, too. Are you with me? Great! Here are some of my favorite laundry hacks and tips to get going.

1. Wash Clothes Inside Out

laundry hacks wash clothes inside out denim shorts inside out

When wrong is right–wash your clothes inside out. This laundry hack might seem counterintuitive, but this simple step can keep your garments looking newer for longer. By exposing the inner side to the agitation of the wash cycle, you’re protecting the outer fabric from unnecessary wear and fading. Plus, don’t worry about cleanliness—your clothes will come out just as fresh when washed inside out.

2. Use Less Detergent

laundry hacks use less laundry detergent female hand pouring

Ever find yourself without the plastic measuring cup, pondering the elusive question of how much washing detergent to use? The truth is almost everyone is guilty of using too much laundry detergent in a load. More detergent does not always equal better cleaning, especially in a front-loading high efficiency washing machine that uses very little water! In fact, the detergent that can’t get rinsed out settles back on the clothing leaving them dull, stiff, and dingy over time.

Start by using just half of your usual amount of detergent and add half a cup of baking soda as a booster. Even if it means only using a tablespoon or two, you’ll be amazed at the results. Your clothes will come out just as fresh and clean, and your wallet will thank you. If needed, you can always adjust the amount of detergent slightly in the next wash. It’s a simple tweak that can make a big difference in your laundry routine.

3. Learn How to Dry Jeans

blue jeans hanging by their ankles from a clothesline in a wooded grassy area

You’ll never experience the heartbreak of shrunken jeans if you use this laundry hack: Put your jeans in the dryer set to medium or low heat for only 10 minutes. That’s enough to soften them.

Take them out still wet and hang them on a hanger from the ankles. The weight of the semi-wet jeans will pull out the wrinkles and keep them at their proper length when fully dry.

And here’s a bonus tip: You don’t need to wash your jeans after every wear! Unless you’ve had a major spill, experts at Levi’s recommend washing them only a couple of times a year. But if that grosses you out, let’s compromise—once every five wears to preserve their original size and integrity. Your jeans—and your wallet—will thank you for it.

4. The Aluminum Foil Ball Dryer Hack

laundry hacks aluminum foil ball static cling

Tired of dealing with static cling? Say hello to your new secret weapon: aluminum foil balls. Aluminum foil works much like a dryer sheet would—and it’s reusable.

Simply take a tightly formed ball of aluminum foil, roughly the size of a tennis ball, and toss it into your dryer along with your laundry. As your clothes tumble, the aluminum foil ball dryer hack works its magic, leaving your laundry completely static-free.

What’s more, you can reuse the same aluminum foil ball for a year or more, making it a budget-friendly and eco-conscious choice. When you start noticing static returning, it’s a sign that it’s time to create a new aluminum foil ball.

5. Stain Removal with Dawn and Hydrogen Peroxide Method

laundry hacks remove stains from clothes coffee spill on female

Looking to remove stains from clothes? Look no further than your kitchen cabinet for the ultimate stain-fighting duo: blue Dawn dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide.

Simply mix one part Dawn dishwashing liquid with two parts hydrogen peroxide to create a potent stain-fighting solution. Adjust the measurements as needed based on the size of the stain. Once mixed, pour the solution directly onto the stain, ensuring full coverage.

For an extra boost of cleaning power, sprinkle a bit of baking soda onto the stained area to act as a gentle scrubbing element. Allow the mixture to sit on the stain for about an hour to penetrate and lift away even the toughest of stains.

Once the time is up, launder your garment as usual, and prepare to be amazed by the result of this laundry hack.

6. Prevent Premature Wear with Proper Loading

laundry hacks overloaded washing machine pile of laundry and detergent

Keep it loose. While cramming the washer full of clothes might seem like a shortcut to getting the laundry done, it’s actually doing more harm than good to your wardrobe and linens.

When you overload the washer, your items don’t get the space they need to move around freely, resulting in less effective cleaning. Additionally, the constant rubbing and friction between garments can cause premature wear and tear, leading to unsightly pilling and a dulling of colors.

Instead of packing the washer to the brim, opt for a lighter load that allows your items to wash properly. Give your clothes the space they deserve to ensure they come out looking fresh and clean every time.

7. The Button and Zipper Rule

laundry hacks button and zipper rule

Before tossing your garments into the washer, take a moment to button, zip, and close them up. This simple step can prevent snags, tangles, and unwanted damage during the wash cycle.

Unzipped zippers are notorious for wreaking havoc, acting like tiny chainsaws as they spin and tumble. By ensuring all zippers are fully zipped before washing, you’ll safeguard your clothes from unnecessary wear and tear.

8. Use Mesh Laundry Bags for Delicates

Product Image - Mesh Laundry Bags

Durable Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags, 3 Pack

Let’s give a round of applause to the genius behind mesh laundry bags! These unsung heroes are essential for safeguarding delicate garments like lingerie during the wash cycle.

But their usefulness doesn’t stop there. Mesh laundry bags are also perfect for wrangling small items like socks and baby clothes, ensuring they don’t vanish into the abyss of the washing machine.

Simply toss all your little pieces into one bag, and voila! You’ll never have to play the matching game again.

Durable Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags, 3 Pack
Durable Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags, 3 Pack
    $6.99
    Buy on Amazon

    9. Sort Your Laundry

    Product Image - 3 Section Laundry Basket with Wheels

    3 Section Laundry Basket with Wheels

    The secret to smoother laundry days, you ask? Sorting your laundry. By separating your clothes into whites, colors, and darks, you’re not just preventing color bleeding and mishaps with delicate items—you’re setting the stage for laundry success.

    Proper sorting isn’t just about preventing mishaps in the wash; it’s also about optimizing the drying process. When each fabric type gets its own cycle, you avoid the frustration of some items being too dry while others are still damp.

    But the benefits don’t stop there. An entire load of just one thing—say bath towels or socks—is so much easier to deal with than a big pile of everything in one load. Sorted laundry makes folding and putting away a breeze, saving you time and hassle in the long run.

    3 Section Laundry Basket with Wheels
    3 Section Laundry Basket with Wheels
      $39.99
      Buy on Amazon

      10. Coffee and Black Tea as Natural Boost

      laundry hacks black coffee or green tea for boosting dark fabrics

      I love this laundry hack! Believe it or not, your morning pick-me-up can do more than just wake you up—it can also give your laundry a boost. Black tea and coffee, known for their natural dye properties, are secret weapons for reviving darker clothing.

      Simply brew two cups of strong coffee or tea and add them to the rinse cycle. As they mingle with your laundry, they’ll deepen the hue of black garments, all without harsh chemicals.

      11. Whiten Naturally with Lemon Power

      laundry hacks brighen whites with lemon soak

      Say goodbye to dingy whites with a simple lemon trick. Pre-soak your white items in a basin with hot water and freshly squeezed lemon juice for a couple of hours, or even overnight for extra brightening power.

      Once soaked, toss them into the washing machine as usual. Not only will your clothes emerge smelling fresh and citrusy, but they’ll also shine with newfound brightness.

      12. Brighten Whites with Peroxide

      laundry hacks brighen whites hydrogen peroxide

      Peroxide is a natural alternative to bleach and can help to make your white items whiter. Simply pour one cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide into your washing machine or bleach dispenser before adding your white items. Then just add your clothes and start the cycle.

      Not only will your whites emerge whiter and brighter, but hydrogen peroxide is also effective at tackling stubborn underarm stains.

      For extra stain-fighting power, mix hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of baking soda and apply directly to the stain. Let it sit for thirty minutes before gently scrubbing the material for pristine results.

      13. Unshrink Wool with Baby Shampoo

      laundry hacks unshrink wool red sweater with baby shampoo

      Don’t let a laundry mishap leave your favorite wool or natural fiber garment feeling like a lost cause. With a simple solution of lukewarm water and baby shampoo, you can breathe new life into shrunken items in no time.

      Start by mixing one gallon of lukewarm water with two tablespoons of baby shampoo. Submerge the shrunken garment in the solution and let it soak for about ten minutes—no need to rinse.

      Once soaked, gently blot out excess water with a dry towel and carefully lay the garment flat on another towel. Slowly reshape and stretch it back to its original size, taking care not to pull too hard.

      Finally, allow the garment to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat. This tried-and-true method, endorsed by the Wool Bureau, can work wonders—provided the fibers haven’t been permanently damaged. (Best laundry tip, ever!)

      Remember, timing is key! Be sure to rescue your garment as soon as it shrinks to maximize your chances of success.

      14. Speed Up Drying Time with Towels

      laundry hacks quick dry with bath towels stacked

      In a rush to dry your favorite pajamas or towels? Look no further than your linen closet for a simple solution: dry bath towels.

      By adding a dry bath towel or two to the mix, you can cut your drying time in half, allowing you to enjoy your freshly laundered items in no time. Just be sure not to overload the machine, ensuring everything can tumble freely for optimal drying efficiency.

      15. Alternative Uses for Dryer Sheets

      laundry hacks dryer sheets

      Don’t throw away that box of laundry softener sheets since you are no longer using them in the laundry. When faced with a stubborn-to-clean casserole dish or pot, reach for a used dryer sheet instead.

      Simply place one or two used sheets into the pan, fill it with hot water, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Like magic, the grime and residue will loosen, requiring minimal scrubbing to wipe clean.

      16. Use Baby Shampoo for Fine Fabrics

      laundry hacks baby shampoo for delicate fabrics

      When it comes to laundering delicate and fine fabrics like silk or cashmere, skip the pricey detergents and reach for a budget-friendly alternative: baby shampoo. This gentle solution not only preserves the integrity of delicate fibers but is also perfect for those with sensitive skin, offering a hypoallergenic alternative to traditional laundry detergents. Simply substitute your regular detergent with baby shampoo to keep your fine fabrics looking and feeling their best, while also catering to sensitive skin needs.

      17. Keep Whites Brilliantly Bright

      laundry hacks keep whites white with washing soda and cascade

      Maintaining brilliantly white laundry without resorting to harsh chlorine bleach is easier than you think. Here’s the inside scoop: every once in a while, treat your washable whites to a special spa day in your washing machine.

      Start by filling the machine with the hottest water available, then add 1 cup of Cascade automatic dishwasher powder and 1 cup of washing soda. Gently agitate the mixture for a few minutes before turning off the machine and allowing your whites to soak for at least three hours—or overnight for an extra boost.

      After soaking, simply finish the cycle as usual and dry your laundry as you normally would.

      Mastering the art of laundry isn’t just about cleaning clothes—it’s about finding smart and efficient ways to tackle the task. With these 17 ingenious laundry hacks, you can revolutionize your laundry routine, from preserving clothes to saving money and time.

       

      Question: What’s your ultimate laundry day lifesaver? Share your favorite laundry hacks or tips that keep your clothes looking fresh and your wallet happy.

      EverydayCheapskate™ is reader-supported. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

       

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      29 replies
      1. Lori says:

        I use Soak for fine woolens. It’s a rinseless soap. I’m going to compare it to the baby shampoo

        Reply
      2. Tealla says:

        I have an expensive white shirt that is 99% polyester and 1% spandex and the inside of the shirt below the waist area has dark stains from rubbing against some black pants! I am so upset – how is the best way to remove these stains?

        Reply
        • Mary Hunt says:

          Well there are lots of variables here (have you tried any stain treatments yet, have you laundered and machine dried it … all of which could have “set” that dye stain for life), but if I were you I would go straight to Lestoil. Soak the stain with lestoil, fold or roll it up and leave it at least overnight or longer. Then launder the garment following its care label/tag.

          As always, test any stain remover in an inconspicuous place first so you know how the fabric is going to react, i.e. the hem or an inside seam.

          How to Get Fabulous Results Treating Laundry Stains with Lestoil

          Reply
      3. Patricia Goff says:

        I have never used anything in the dryer when I do use it. Mostly I line dry weather permitting. My mother said it was bad for the dryer and the clothes. I have never used softener either. She said it was bad for the septic tank and for our clothes.

        Reply
      4. Carla says:

        I became a devoted fan with the tip to sharpen scissors on aluminum foil. I still chuckle to myself whenever I think of it. But have a question on using alfoil as a dryer ball. Works great, no prob there, but compresses into a shiny tight ball that sounds a bit like a rock in the tumble dryer. That’s also ok as it’s only annoying & not denting the dryer but small pieces of foil flake loose off the end that isn’t tucked in anywhere and I wonder if I’m doing something wrong. Thanks.

        Reply
      5. Laura Parker says:

        I like the foil ball trick, but I can’t get them to last longer than a few dry cycles before they compact to 1/3 the size and start shedding little pieces of foil.
        Also, been using vinegar in every wash for decades! Keeps towels fluffy and looking/smelling great seemingly forever!

        Reply
      7. Kristine Smith says:

        Great tips! I would take issue with putting garments into the laundry buttoned, though. Zippers can and should take the harsh tugging and pulling of the wash cycle by being closed. But, as a seamstress, I would say that buttons are not meant to take the twisting and yanking that the wash cycle will put them through. Unbutton any buttons before putting in the wash and they won’t tug at the point of the fabric where they are attached and deform it or the buttonhole and they won’t get pulled off, either.

        Reply
      8. CATHY says:

        What’s the best way to add vinegar to a front-load HE washing machine? I tried using the dispenser for liquid fabric softener and it appeared to run straight through into the tub with liquid detergent. What did I do wrong?

        Reply
        • Mary Hunt says:

          Check your manual. I doubt that it ran into the tub at that point, but possibly into a “holding” area to be released in the last rinse. Machines with a softener reservoir are set up that way. That is the best way to add vinegar to the last rinse … by pouring it into the liquid softener reservoir.

          Reply
      9. Mariehette says:

        I gave small hotel and always looking for ideas. So thank you. One question when people drop sun block on towels or linen uou cant see it but when washed it leave a orange spot. And I have tried alsorts. Maybe any idea

        Reply
        • Mary Hunt says:

          Lestoil. Once you’ve put the item through that dryer, you need to understand that you have pretty much “set” it. But don’t give up. Soak that stain thoroughly with Lestoil, wrap it up and let it sit overnight at least. Then launder as usual. Good luck!

          Reply
      10. Sharon Christman says:

        Mary, I have enjoyed your column for many years. When discussing adding items to laundry, letting them soak, adding items during “rinse” cycle, etc.; it appears to be relevant to top load machines. How do we add items only during the “rinse” cycle with a front load unit?

        Reply
        • Mary Hunt says:

          I have a front loading HE washing machine! Last rinse: Add that item to the “liquid softener” dispenser. It is designed to release during the rinse cycle. As for “prewash” my machine does have a prewash setting, and a corresponding dispenser. So I add borax and or washing soda (very little as a front loader uses very little water!) to that dispenser and select the prewash option. My machine doesn’t have a “soak” setting, but some do. In that case, if there is not a corresponding dispenser, I would add whatever product I want the items to soak in, to the clothes before closing the door and hitting start making sure any liquids are absorbed by the items rather than pouring them into the drum inself, which will trigger the machine to drain before starting. It’s not easy to outsmart a smart washing machine 🙂 Hope that helps!

          Reply
      12. Sherry Suffridge says:

        I have found that SHOUT Color Catcher Sheets are awesome to use for trapping dyes from colors (especially reds) that bleed. Using them I often find colors on the sheets that I didn’t realize were bleeding onto other clothing. I am a sorter and I separate colors from whites ALWAYS (that’s how my Momma taught me) and it keeps your whites from taking on that dingy look. In order to get as much use from the sheets as possible, I use them in the whites first (you’ll be amazed by the amount you get on the sheet from just whites) and then use them in the darks next. One sheet will last several loads. Color Catchers come in a box of 24 for about $5 (well worth it in my opinion)at Wal-Mart and can be found in the laundry isle. I have tried other brands, but SHOUT is my favorite brand, they seem to work better and last longer.
        Color Catchers are a staple in my laundry room!

        Reply
      14. Lori Widener says:

        How do you get the sweat smell out of bras? I hand washed in Woolite (didn’t know about baby shampoo hack) after spraying with vodka. Still has an odor. Love your posts.

        Reply
      15. Barb Cartalucca says:

        Mary – another tip for fabric softener sheets. My car stays in the garage that sometimes has mice and maybe other small animals. The man at the garage told me to put a couple of these sheets tucked in under the hood. Since doing this no trace of critters.

        Reply
      16. Ann says:

        Automatic dishwashing powder is great to soak football uniforms. My son’s football uniform had white pants and I used that to keep his uniform spotless. It really works on ground-in dirt and stains. He had the cleanest uniform on the field.

        Reply
      17. ATK says:

        On the last two washing machines I’ve owned, I could not open them after the wash cycle starts. So, not sure how to add something to the final rinse cycle.

        Reply
        • Georgia4 says:

          Stop the washing machine BRIEFLY with the button you use to turn it on. Then add what you want to, close the cover and turn it back on with the button.

          Reply
      18. Patti Waggoner says:

        The tip about soaking whites in hot water with lemons doesn’t specify if the lemons should be sliced, halved or left whole. Please advise.

        Reply
      20. Linda Grigsby says:

        Mary, thanks for all your helpful tips. On the whitening issue, please clarify the lemon issue….do you use just the juice? Do you cut up the whole lemon?

        Reply

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